Pubdate: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS) Copyright: 2003 The Halifax Herald Limited Contact: http://www.herald.ns.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180 Author: Laura Langille DON'T DECRIMINALIZE In the past, drug laws have been strict, but now the federal government is considering decriminalizing marijuana. It will not be legal, but other consequences will be given for possession of small amounts, instead of someone ending up with a criminal record. If marijuana is decriminalized, it would create many problems. Young people would think it was OK to smoke pot. People will always abuse the substance and there will always be addicts; giving a less harsh punishment will not fix the problem. Lately, smoking laws have become more strict, which makes me wonder how they can be considering something like this. One joint is as harmful for you as 10 cigarettes are. It is unhealthy for whoever is smoking it and for those around that person. If marijuana is decriminalized, trafficking will still be illegal, although you will be allowed to have possession of 30 grams. I do not think that 30 grams is considered personal use. If the government decides to decriminalize marijuana, it should be a more reasonable amount, such as five grams. This issue was raised in the first place for medical reasons, but I do not think it should be decriminalized because of that. Doctors should simply be allowed to prescribe it to certain people for medical purposes. Laura Langille Tatamagouche - --- MAP posted-by: Beth